Global Scientific Collaboration Emphasized for Climate Resilience, Biodiversity Conservation, and Sustainable Development

The International Conference & Expo on Life Sciences (ICELS) - 2026, organized by the Faculty of Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) in collaboration with Himalaya Hemp & Health (Pvt.) Ltd. and Evolution EduTech Pakistan, commenced with a strong call for interdisciplinary scientific innovation, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The conference, themed “Bio- Innovations for a Changing Climate: Science, Sustainability and Solutions” brought together renowned national and international scientists, policymakers, academicians, industry experts, and delegates from Pakistan and abroad.

For Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR and Former President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Khan (S.I.) graced the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, while deans, directors, faculty members, researchers and a large number of students were attended the opening session.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Khalid M. Khan (S.I.), former Vice Chancellor of PMAS-AAUR and former President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences described climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, glacier retreat and environmental degradation as defining challenges of the present era. He emphasized that scientific innovation, evidence-based policymaking and interdisciplinary collaboration are indispensable for achieving sustainable development and climate resilience.

While appreciating Prof. Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi and his team, Prof. Dr. Khalid M. Khan noted that ICELS-26 successfully bridges academia, industry, policymakers and communities through technical sessions, exhibitions, poster presentations, industrial displays, and collaborative networking opportunities.

While addressing, Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman underscored the importance of climate-smart scientific solutions for addressing Pakistan’s growing challenges related to agriculture, water security, and public health. He appreciated the efforts of the Faculty of Sciences and collaborating organizations for organizing a globally relevant scientific forum.

In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi, Dean Faculty of Sciences and Chief Organizer of ICELS-26 emphasized the transformative role of universities as engines of innovation, research, and societal progress. He highlighted that climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, food insecurity and emerging diseases require urgent interdisciplinary scientific approaches and global collaboration. He stated that the Faculty of Sciences has established strong academic and research partnerships with leading international institutions.

Representing the U.S. State Department, Mr. Kevin Sessink, Senior Facility Manager, appreciated ICELS-26 as a highly significant scientific platform. He acknowledged the conference’s role in strengthening global scientific cooperation and creating opportunities for young researchers and students through interdisciplinary engagement and international exposure.

The conference also features keynote lectures and technical sessions involving distinguished speakers from Türkiye, Egypt, Morocco, Iran, Poland, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. ICELS-26 aims to strengthen scientific networks, promote bio-based innovations, and contribute toward practical policy solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).